A Quantitative Analysis of Plant Community Structure in an Abandoned Rubber Plantations on Kho-Hong Hill, Southern Thailand

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

A quantitative analysis of plant community structure in an abandoned rubber plantations on Kho-Hong Hill, southern Thailand

Sara Bumrungsri1, Ekapong Sripao-raya2 and Charan Leelatiwong3

Abstract Bumrungsri, S., Sripao-raya, E. and Leelatiwong, C. A quantitative analysis of plant community structure in an abandoned rubber plantations on Kho-Hong Hill, southern Thailand Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol., 2006, 28(3) : 479-491

The present study aimed to characterize plant community structure of rubber plantations abandoned 26 years previously and now a protected area of Prince of Songkla University on the west slope of Kho-Hong Hill. Trees whose girth at breast high were at least 30 cm were recorded from thirty-one plots (10*10 m) which were laid out systematically at every 100 m along three transects. Among native trees, this plant community is dominated by Schima wallichii Choisy, Castanopsis schefferiana Hance, Memecylon edule Roxb., Diospyros frutescens Blume, and Diplospora malaccensis Hook.f. Trees of the families Myrtaceae, Theaceae, Clusiaceae, Fagaceae, and Rubiaceae, and saplings of Clusiaceae, Myrtaceae, Theaceae, Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae were the most common. This plant community was characterized as a late seral stage post-cultivation succession. The basal area of rubber trees was positively significantly related to the species richness of native trees but negatively related to the density of native trees in each plot. Although abandoned rubber plantations create environmental conditions which effectively catalyze forest succession, dense rubber trees could slow succession of native trees by competition for resources. Further ecological, educational and recreational studies are discussed. Zoning this area to be a strict nature reserve and a conservation area is recommended.

Key words : rubber plantation, forest succession, secondary forest, Kho-Hong Hill

1Ph.D.(Conservation Biology), 2M.Sc.(Zoology), 3M.Sc.(Botany), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112 Thailand. Corresponding e-mail: [email protected] Received, 26 July 2005 Accepted, 17 November 2005 Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 480 Bumrungsri, S., et al. ∫∑§—¥¬àÕ “√– ∫”√ÿß»√’ ‡Õ°æß»å »√’‡ª“√¬– ·≈– ®√—≠ ≈’≈µ‘«ß»å ‚§√ß √â“ß —ß§¡æ◊™„πæ◊Èπ∑’Ë «π¬“ßæ“√“∑‘Èß√â“ß∫π‡¢“§ÕÀß å ¿“§„µâ¢Õßª√–‡∑»‰∑¬ «. ß¢≈“π§√‘π∑√å «∑∑. 2549 28(3) : 479-491

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Throughout the tropics, enormous areas of Kho-Hong Hill, the largest isolated forest primary forest have been converted to agricultural remnant close to the city of Hat Yai, was once land and this phenomenon is a major contributor covered with tropical forest, however, the majority for biodiversity loss (Bryant et al., 1997). In some of the hill area (>50%) is currently covered by instances, cultivated land is abandoned and replaced rubber plantations. During 1976-1980, Prince of by secondary forest. Although it differs from Songkla University bought some rubber plantations, original forest, this post-cultivation secondary and sixty hectares of them had no further disturb- forest supports a number of forest taxa, even when ance or cultivation, so that secondary forest became isolated from intact forest. Like other tropical established. This secondary forest is now protected countries, Thailand has lost a large portion of its as the university's nature reserve. This protected forest in the last few decades. Fifty three percent forest is a catchment for water supply to the of the country's area was covered with forest in university and has become increasingly used for 1961, but this had declined to 33.15% in 2000 research, education, recreation, and plant conserv- (Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant ation. An inventory carried out by Maxwell (1986) Conservation, 2003). Rubber or 'yang-pa-ra' indicated relatively high diversity of at least 596 (Heavea brasiliensis Willd. ex A. Juss.) plantations, species of vascular plants on this hill. Several the major cultivation practice in southern Thailand, undergraduate research projects have been done in replace large tracts of tropical forest. Rubber the area, mainly on animals such as birds, termites, plantation increased from 1.58 million ha in 1978 ants and canopy beetles (Charoensap, 1996; to 2.0 million ha in 1992. In that year, 25% of the Ratcharote, 1999; Sritangnan, 1999; Wattanasit et area of southern Thailand was covered with rubber al., 2005). Further research on forest regeneration, plantations whereas only 18% was forest (Royal other ecological studies and nature interpretation Forest Department, 1993). are planned (Prince of Songkla University, 2002). Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 481 Bumrungsri, S., et al.

However, the area is still lacking a quantitative Division, 1973). Bedrocks are heavily crushed and description of the forest community. It is also weathered carboniferous mudstones (Maxwell, important to describe the community structure of 1986). abandoned rubber plantations of known age, since it may provide insights into the process of forest Methods recovery. In addition, it is interesting to establish the extent to which a high density of planted rubber Plots of 0.01 ha (10*10 m) were laid out trees affects the establishment of native plants. The systematically at every 100 m along three transects objectives of the present study are to describe the (800-1200 m long) in a North-South direction community structure of the secondary forest in an (Figure 1). Transects were 150 m apart. When plots abandoned rubber plantation, and to determine the were placed on slopes, their size was adjusted by relationship between the density of rubber trees and x = 10tan φ where x is the adjusted length, and φ the density and diversity of native plants. is the degree of slope. Trees whose girth at breast high (1.3 m) (GBH) was at least 30 cm were Study area identified and recorded for their GBH. Saplings and shrub (GBH less than 30 cm but greater or The present study was carried out in a equal to 5 cm) were identified and counted in a protected forest of Prince of Songkla University on 4*4 m subplot set at the south-west corner in each Kho-Hong Hill (07º 00.4' N, 100º 30.7' E.). This plot. Voucher specimens of unknown species were isolated hill lies in a North-South direction and is collected for later identification by comparing surrounded by settlements and agricultural land. with specimen in the Prince of Songkla Herbarium. Most of the study area (60 ha) was an abandoned Aspect and location of each plot were also noted. rubber plantation mixed with a disturbed forest. A number of quantitative attributes were These plantations had been abandoned since they calculated. These were density (D) (total number were bought by the university during 1976-80. The of tree of species x/total sampling area), frequency study area is characterized with slight undulating (F) (number of plots with species x/ total number terrain ranging in altitude between 30 and 100 m of plots), dominance (basal area of species x). The asl, situated on the western side of the hill. The contribution of each species to the forest community summit rises to 371 m. Former rubber plantations in relation to other species was determined as covered most of the lower elevations and flat areas. relative density (Rden) (density of species x/ density

The 10 years climate was hot (mean minimum- of all species), relative frequency (Rf) (frequency mean maximum temperatures = 24.1-32.5ºC, of species x/ sum frequency of all species), relative average 28.3ºC) and relatively humid (average dominance (Rdo) (basal area of species x/ basal area relative humidity of 72%) with 2,118 mm mean of all species). The performance of each species annual rainfall. Generally, there was a three month was determined from the sum of relative contri- dry season (February to April) with rainfall less butions referred to as the Importance Value Index than 100 mm, whereas rain was heavy in October- (IVI) when IVI = Rden + Rf + Rdo. December (Kho-Hong Meteorically Station, 2004). A profile diagram of trees in a selected This tropical climate is classified as tropical wet 10x30 m plot was drawn and the composition and seasonal according to Walsh (1996). The soil the vertical forest structure were described. series belonged to the Ranong-Phato Association, To investigate the possible effect of rubber subgroup typic paleudults. They are dark brown trees on native trees and saplings, total rubber tree to brown over yellowish brown, very shallow/ basal area and the number of rubber trees were shallow to moderately deep, well drained and correlated with the number of native sapling have moderate permeability. Soils are poor with species, the number of native sapling individuals, moderately low organic matter (Soil Survey the number of native tree species and number of Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 482 Bumrungsri, S., et al.

Figure 1. Distribution of sampling plots along thre transects in N-S direction over the protected nature reserve of Prince of Songkla University. native individual trees in each plot. All statistical distribution to only 1 or 2 plots. The four species analyses were carried out using SPSS (11.0). with highest density and Diplospora malaccensis Hook.f. also had the widest distribution among Results native species and contributed 19-29 % of all plots. The estimated total basal area of all native trees Quantitative analysis was 11.14 m2/ha while the basal area of rubber Two hundred and thirty seven individuals trees is 7.87 m2/ha. The majority of trees (48%) of 49 tree species with GBH equal or larger than had GBH between 30 and 39 cm. The GBH of six 30 cm were measured in thirty-one 10*10m plots trees from five species exceeded 100 cm. These (0.31 ha). In addition, 249 individuals of 52 species were Albizea splendens Miq. (200 cm), Syzygium of sapling and shrub were found in 31 plots of glaucum (King) P. Chantaranothai & J.Parn. (160 4*4 m (0.05 ha). From a total native tree species cm), Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. (157 cm), density of 529 trees/ha, Schima wallichii Choisy, Castanopsis schefferiana Hance (143.5 cm), and Castanopsis schefferiana Hance, Memecylon edule rubber tree (128 and 105 cm). Outside the sampled Roxb. and Diospyros frutescens Blume showed plots, several trees were as large as 300 cm GBH the highest density from 35.5-54.8 trees/ha while such as Instia palembanica Miq., Sindora the density of rubber tree was 235.5 trees/ha. echinocalyx Prain and Horsfieldia macrocoma Seventy percent of native species were limited in Warb. In terms of summed basal area, Castanopsis Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 483 Bumrungsri, S., et al. schefferiana Hance, Schima wallichii Choisy and frutescens Blume, Crypteronia paniculata Blume, Albizea splendens Miq. were dominant. In Memecylon edule Roxb., Calophyllum calaba L., conclusion, Schima wallichii Choisy, Castanopsis Psydrax nitida (Craib) K.M. Wong. A number of schefferiana Hance, Diospyros frutescens Blume, shrubs including Mesua kunstleri (King) Kosterm., Memecylon edule Roxb. and Diplospora Mallotus oblongifolius M˙˙ull. Arg., Macaranga malaccensis Hook.f. had the highest IVI (30.5, lowii King ex Hook.f., Ixora javanica DC., 28.67, 17.57, 17.42 and 14.26, respectively, Table Greenea corymbosa (Jack.) K. Schum., Croton 1). argyratus Blume, Memecylon edule Roxb., At the family level of native trees, Myrtaceae Streblus taxoides (Heynes) Kurz and Prunus grisea (12.1%), Theaceae (11%), Clusiaceae (9.7%), (C. Muell.) Kalkman dominated the shrub layer Fagaceae (9.4%), Ebenaceae, Leguminosae and (1-3 m heigh). Seedlings of canopy and subcanopy Rubiaceae (5%) had the highest IVI among the 25 trees such as Hopea ferrea Laness., Aquilaria families recorded. These families contributed more malaccensis Lamk., Garcinia spp., Diospyros than 50% of all the IVI among native trees. spp., and Canthium spp. were common. Woody From a total sapling and shrub density of climbers such as Spatholobus harmandii Gagnep., 5,020 individuals/ha, Mesua kunstleri (King) Linostoma pauciflorum Griff., Ancistrocladus Kosterm. (806 ind./ha), Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) tectorius (Lour.) Merr., and Artabotrys sp. were DC. (362 ind./ha), Syzygium lineatum (DC.) Merr. present. Rattan (Calamus spp.), Amomum & L.M.Perry, Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. uliginosum K.D. Koenig, Elettariopsis curtisii & L.M.Perry, Schima wallichii Choisy (282.3 ind./ Baker, Etlingera littoralis (A. Koenig) Giseke, ha) had the highest density. Saplings of rubber trees Phrynium pubinerve Blume, Pandanus humilis were also well established (282.3 ind./ha) (Table Lour., Molineria latifolia Herb. ex Kurz, Licuala 2). At the family level, sapling of Clusiaceae (12%) spinosa Thunb., Homalomena sagittifolia Jungh. Theaceae (11%), Myrtaceae (9%), Ebenaceae ex Schott and Alocasia lowii Hook. were also often and Fagaceae (9%) and Memecylaceae (7%) found in moist areas along temporary streams. dominated the studied area. Remnant large trees including Cynometra malaccensis L., Sindora echinocalyx Prain, Eleocarpus Description of the forest community structure floribunda Blume, Instia palembanica Miq. were based on the profile diagram present along the main stream. Creeping bamboo Vertical stratification (Figure 2) of the forest (Dinochloa scandens (Blume) Kuntze) was also was not clearly defined. Three strata probably common, especially along hill-ridges. In tree gaps, occured; top layer, middle layer and shrub layer. seedlings of Macaranga spp. were common while The top layer was 18-25 m high and was domin- a number of early pioneer species such as Alstonia ated by Castanopsis schefferiana Hance, Schima macrophylla Wall. ex G. Don, Mallotus paniculatus wallichii Choisy, Syzygium glaucum (King) P. M˙˙uell. Arg., Microcos tomentosa Sm., Erythro- Chantaranothai & J. Parn., Syzygium claviflorum xylum cuneatum (Miq.) Kurz, Peltophorum (Roxb.) Wall. ex A.M. Cowan & Cowan, Syzygium dasyrachis (Miq.) Kurz and Macaranga triloba lineatum (DC.) Merr.& L.M.Perry,Vitex pinnata (Reinw. ex Blume) M˙˙uell.Arg. were present along L., Sindora echinocalyx Prain, Cynometra distinct forest edges. Snags were hardly found. ramiflora L., Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume, Although the forest covers a relatively small Swintonia floribunda Griff. and Albizea spendens area (ca. 60 ha), a reconnaissance survey indicated Miq.. When present, rubber trees occupied the top some variations in dominant species in relation to layer. The middle layer was between 7-15 m high physical microhabitats. On hill-ridges which were which was dominated by Garcinia nigrolineata characterized by relatively shallow soil over Planch. ex. T. Anderson, Garcinia merguensis mudrock fragments, Castanopsis schefferiana Wight, Diplospora malaccensis Hook.f., Diospyros Hance, Crypteronia paniculata Blume, Syzygium Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 484 Bumrungsri, S., et al.

om 31 plots (10*10 m.) in abandoned rubber

/ha) Density Frequency Dominance Index Value

6.45 6.45 0.05 1.22 2.00 0.46 3.68

Vernacular Density Frequency Basal area Relative Relative Relative Importance names (tree/ha) (m

Daeng 12.90 6.45 0.95 2.44 2.00 8.52 12.96

Nuut ton 9.68 6.45 0.08 1.83 2.00 0.69 4.52

ees whose girth at breast high at least 30 cm fr ees whose girth at breast

Thwaites Khee non 3.23 3.23 0.19 0.61 1.00 1.72 3.33

Blume Ka aam 16.13 12.90 0.23 3.05 4.00 2.09 9.14

Hance Kow keuw mu 45.16 19.35 1.57 8.54 6.00 14.13 28.67

Blume Kaalon 6.45 3.23 0.16 1.22 1.00 1.47 3.69

(L.) Miq. Ka uam 19.35 9.68 0.27 3.66 3.00 2.44 9.10

Hook.f. 22.58 19.35 0.44 4.27 6.00 4.00 14.26

L. Mang khaak 9.68 3.23 0.07 1.83 1.00 0.64 3.47

Wall. ex C. Muell.Wall. Dee nguu 6.45 3.23 0.10 1.22 1.00 0.93 3.15

Lamk. Mai hom 12.90 9.68 0.16 2.44 3.00 1.42 6.86

(Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry (Blume) Merr. 9.68 6.45 0.13 1.83 2.00 1.19 5.01

Planch. ex. T. Anderson T. Planch. ex. Cha muang 12.90 6.45 0.20 2.44 2.00 1.80 6.24

(Miq.) Merr. & L.M.Perry (Miq.) Merr. 6.45 6.45 0.08 1.22 2.00 0.70 3.92

Blume Phlap kluai 35.48 22.58 0.41 6.71 7.00 3.71 17.42

Wight Nuan 25.81 9.68 0.35 4.88 3.00 3.18 11.06

Prain Ma kha 12.90 6.45 0.37 2.44 2.00 3.37 7.80

L. 9.68 6.45 0.12 1.83 2.00 1.11 4.93

Sm. Phlapphla 3.23 3.23 1.03 0.61 1.00 9.22 10.83

(L.) DC. Samet daeng 9.68 3.23 0.13 1.83 1.00 1.14 3.97

(DC.) Merr. & L.M.Perry (DC.) Merr. Khwaat 6.45 6.45 0.12 1.22 2.00 1.07 4.29

(King) P.Chantaranothai & J.Parn. (King) P.Chantaranothai

Miq. 22.58 12.90 0.28 4.27 4.00 2.48 10.75

Roxb. Plong mueat 35.48 19.35 0.54 6.71 6.00 4.86 17.57

(Wight) Walp. (Wight) Mao 16.13 3.23 0.17 3.05 1.00 1.55 5.60

Choisy Mangtan 54.84 29.03 1.24 10.37 9.00 11.13 30.50

(King) Kosterm. Bunnnak paa 9.68 3.23 0.12 1.83 1.00 1.04 3.87

(C. Muell.) Kalkman

Pierre khian hin Ta 9.68 3.23 0.11 1.83 1.00 0.98 3.81

L. nok Tin 3.23 3.23 0.63 0.61 1.00 5.68 7.29

plantations of Prince of Songkla University

Table 1.Table Importance value index of native tr

Diplospora malaccensis Scientific names Syzygium glaucum Garcinia merguensis Garcinia Microcos tomentosa Microcos Schima wallichii Albizea splendens Castanopsis schefferiana paniculatum Crypteronia Memecylon edule pedunculata Acronychia Diospyros frutescens Diospyros Sindora echinocalyx Vitex pinnata Vitex Aquilaria malaccensis Garcinia nigrolineata Garcinia Syzygium grande Syzygium cerasiforme Calophyllum calaba Prunus grisea Syzygium lineatum Syzygium zelanicum Syzygium syzygioides Mesua kunstleri Hopea ferrea Elaeocarpus floribundus Unknown 1 (Thymeliaceae) Unknown 2 6.45 6.45 0.05 1.22 2.00 0.44 3.66 Cynometra malaccensis Chaetocarpus castanocarpus Elaeocarpus petiolatus Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 485 Bumrungsri, S., et al.

/ha) Density Frequency Dominance Index Value

6.45 3.23 0.07 1.22 1.00 0.59 2.81

Vernacular Density Frequency Basal area Relative Relative Relative Importance names (tree/ha) (m

Total 529.03 322.58 11.14 100.00 100.00 100.00 300.00

Arg. Fin daeng 3.23 3.23 0.02 0.61 1.00 0.21 1.82

Arg. Soi daao 3.23 3.23 0.05 0.61 1.00 0.47 2.08

uell.

˙˙

Blume kliang Tiu 6.45 3.23 0.05 1.22 1.00 0.46 2.68

Ait. 3.23 3.23 0.04 0.61 1.00 0.37 1.98

ull.

˙˙

(Miq.) Kurz Krai thong 3.23 3.23 0.05 0.61 1.00 0.41 2.02

T. Anders. ex Dyer T. 3.23 3.23 0.02 0.61 1.00 0.21 1.82

Pierre Waa 3.23 3.23 0.02 0.61 1.00 0.21 1.82

(Wall.) Schot (Wall.) 3.23 3.23 0.03 0.61 1.00 0.30 1.91

Bakh.f. Khamin ton 3.23 3.23 0.03 0.61 1.00 0.30 1.91

Teijsm. & Binn.Teijsm. Kaan thong 3.23 3.23 0.04 0.61 1.00 0.35 1.96

Miq. Lak khoei lak kluea

Reinw. ex Blume Reinw. Ka ok 3.23 3.23 0.05 0.61 1.00 0.47 2.08

rima

Kuntze Ngoh paa 3.23 3.23 0.02 0.61 1.00 0.22 1.83

Warb. Lueat raet 3.23 3.23 0.10 0.61 1.00 0.89 2.50

Ridl. thuean Yo 3.23 3.23 0.04 0.61 1.00 0.32 1.93

sp. 1 3.23 3.23 0.04 0.61 1.00 0.33 1.94

spp. Yo 3.23 3.23 0.02 0.61 1.00 0.21 1.82

Table 1.Table (continued)

Scientific names

Diospyros sumatrana Diospyros Cratoxylum cochinchinense Knema globularia Artocarpus elasticus Mallotus paniculatus

Erythroxylum cuneatum Erythroxylum Pittosporum ferrugineum Unknown 3 3.23 3.23 0.04 0.61 1.00 0.35 1.96 Swintonia schwenckii Diospyros Morinda elliptica Morinda Metadenia trichotoma Callerya atropurpurea Rinorea anguifera Rinorea Cleistanthus sumatranus

Garcinia hombroniana Garcinia Adinandra integer Unknown 4 3.23 3.23 0.02 0.61 1.00 0.21 1.82 Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 486 Bumrungsri, S., et al.

Table 2. Sapling density.

Vernacular names Scientific names Density (tree/ha) ∫ÿππ“§ªÉ“ Mesua kunstleri 806.45 ‡ ¡Á¥·¥ß Syzygium zelanicum 362.90 ¬“ßæ“√“ Hevea brasiliensis 282.26 ¢«“¥ Syzygium lineatum 282.26 ≈“ßπ“ß Syzygium cerasiforme 282.26 ¡—ßµ“π Schima wallichii 282.26 ®‘°π¡ Barringtonia macrostachya 221.77 æ≈Õß‡À¡◊Õ¥ Memecylon edule 201.61 µ—ßÀπ Calophyllum calaba 181.45 ¢’ÈÀπÕπ Chaetocarpus castanocarpus 161.29 ‚∑– Rhodomyrtus tomentosum 141.13 °–Õ«¡ Acronychia pedunculata 120.97 ‡¢Á¡∑Õß Ixora javanica 120.97 π«≈ Garcinia merguensis 100.81 æ≈—∫°≈â«¬ Diospyros frutescens 80.65 Tarenna sp. Tarenna sp. 80.65 Memecylon sp. 1 80.65 µ–‡§’¬πÀ‘π Hopea ferrea 80.65 ™–¡«ß Garcinia nigrolineata 60.48 æ≈—∫æ≈“ Microcos tomentosa 60.48 °â“π∑Õß Swingtonia schwenckii 60.48 Unknown 1 Thymeliaceae 60.48 °“≈π Elaeocarpus floribundus 60.48 µ–‰À≈ Prismatomeris tetrandra 60.48 ¢àÕ¬Àπ“¡ Streblus ilicifolius 60.48 æ‘°ÿ≈ªÉ“ Adinandra integerrima 60.48 Mallotus lowii 40.32 ¡–‰ø°“ Baccaurea parviflora 40.32 °àÕ‡¢’È¬«À¡Ÿ Castanopsis schefferiana 40.32 Leguminosae 40.32 ¢¡‘Èπµâπ Metadina trichotoma 40.32 ¡«°°Õ Olea salicifolia 40.32 Ωîòπ·¥ß Cleistanthus sumatranus 20.16 Diplospora sp 20.16 ¡Õ°¡—π Glocidion superbum 20.16 °“·´– Callerya atropurpurea 20.16 â“π„À≠à Dillenia obovata 20.16 °–Õ“¡ Crypteronia paniculatum 20.16 °–ÕÕ° Artocarpus elasticus 20.16 °–∑—ß„∫„À≠à Litsia grandis 20.16 Unknown 2 20.16 Unknown 3 20.16 Unknown 6 20.16 °√–¥Ÿ°§à“ß Aporosa aurea 20.16 Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 487 Bumrungsri, S., et al.

Table 2. (Continued)

Vernacular names Scientific names Density (tree/ha) À“¥√ÿ¡ Artocarpus dadah 20.16 µ’ππ° Vitex pinnata 20.16 °“·√âßÀ‘π Koilodepas longifolium 20.16 ¡–®È”°âÕß Ardisia colorata 20.16 À«â“À‘π Syzygium claviflorum 20.16 Ficus sp 20.16 À“¥ Artocarpus lacucha 20.16 πŸ¥µâπ Prunus grisea 20.16 Tarenna sp. 20.16 total 5020.16

Figure 2. Profile diagram and vertical stratification of trees in a 10*30 m plot. Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 488 Bumrungsri, S., et al. lineatum (DC.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, Syzygium al., 1997). DeWalt et al. (2003) also pointed out glaucum (King) P.Chantaranothai & J.Parn., Ixora that the similarity between secondary forest and old javanica DC. dominated. This microhabitat also growth forest in tree species composition increases seems to be more pristine than the others. On slight with forest age. Trees of Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, slopes and relatively flat areas, where more Lauraceae, Sterculiaceae were dominant, and organic matter and sediment accumulated, Garcinia seedling, sapling and sprouting of Rubiaceae spp., Diospyros spp., Memecylon edule Roxb. and and Euphorbiaceae were the most common in Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume were abandoned rubber plantations in a wildlife sanc- common. This community covered most of the tuary which was 26 km from the study area. The study area. In a small area of very shallow soil variation in major families between the present over rock outcrops (ca. 1 ha), a few plant species study and that of Tanthana (1998) may reflect such as Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC., Schima ecological variation especially proximity to wallichii Choisy, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) propagule resources and soil conditions. In primary Hassk., Calophyllum calaba L. and a parasitic forest of Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, plant, Dendrotrophe buxifolia (Blume) Miq., Sawangchote (1998) studied ten 0.1 ha stands sparsely covered the area, and canopy trees were and found that trees of Dipterocarpaceae, Euphor- relatively low (< 8 m.). biaceae, Annonaceae, Sapindaceae were the most dominant, respectively. Although soil at Ton Nga Correlation of rubber tree density and commu- Chang and Koh-Hong Hill are both in Ranong- nity characters of native plants. Plato series, soil in the latter may be drier, as it is Although the density of rubber trees in each much shallower, with more weathered mudrock plot was not significantly correlated to the number particles and likely more drainage (S. Bumrungsri, of sapling species (r = 0.02, p = 0.93), the density pers. obs.). Dominance of Schima wallichii Choisy, of saplings (r = -0.16, p = 0.47), the number of tree Castanopsis schefferiana Hance, Syzygium spp. species (r = 0.03, p = 0.91) or the density of native and Mesua kunstleri (King) Kosterm. which are trees (-0.24, p = 0.27) in plots, the basal area of often found in dry habitats, suggests that Kho Hong rubber trees was positively significantly correlated Hill is drier. Syzygium spp. is also well dispersed to the number of native species (r = 0.57, p = 0.002, in coastal sandbars communities in Songkhla 1 tailed), and partially negatively significantly Province which normally experience drought related to the density of native trees in each plot conditions during the dry season (Sridith, 2002). (r = -0.75, p<0.001, 1 tailed, controling for number Similarly, Maxwell (1986) also pointed out that of all trees). this forest is drier, and postulated that this was caused by continuous disturbance. Discussion It is suggested that in a tropical moist climate, secondary succession proceeds rapidly with some In post-cultivation forest succession, floristic ecosystem characteristics such as leaf litter mass, composition, structural characters and rate of soil nutrient processes differing little from values succession reflect land-use history, soil character- of old growth forest over 40-50 years (Grau et al., istics and proximity to old-growth forest (Tan- 1997; DeWalt et al., 2003). It would be interesting thana, 1988; Grau et al., 1997; DeWalt et al., 2003). to compare between the structure of this 26-year- Tanthana (1998) compared successional plant old secondary forest with that of patches of primary communities in different ages (up to 10 years-old) forest that are present in military bases. DeWalt of abandoned rubber plantations at Ton Nga Chang et al. (2003) found 21% similarity in forest Wildlife Sanctuary, and revealed that native tree structure between 20 year-old secondary forest density increases with time, although at a longer and old growth stands in moist neotropical forest time scale (50 years) the opposite is true (Grau et on Barro Colorado Island. They also found that Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 489 Bumrungsri, S., et al. it takes at least 70 years for secondary forest to tree biomass and native tree density may be due to resemble old growth stand structure. However, in the fact that although abandoned rubber plantation the less fertile soils of the Rio Negro Basin of create suitable environmental conditions for native Venezuela, it was suggested to take up to 190 years tree establishment, rubber trees are likely to be (Saldarriaga et al., 1988). competitors for light and soil water. Although Grau et al. (1997) suggested that pre- rubber trees probably do not have allelopatric effect abandonment vegetation influences forest com- on nearby plants (Tanthana, 1998), this negative position for several decades. Specifically, forest correlation suggests that, at a certain stage of recovery in former rubber plantations differs from development, these exotic tropical trees which other kinds of cultivation, as farmers normally perform well in the wet tropics can slow success- weed without burning in rubber plantations. Thus, ion of native species probably by resource com- when they were abandoned, rubber plantations still petition. A number of studies indicated negative house some plant propagules. Furthermore, several effects of invasions of exotics on native commu- studies have indicated that tree plantations are nities (review by Levine et al., 2003), and com- an effective tool for catalyzing forest succession petition is by far the most common explanation. by overcoming barriers to natural regeneration An empirical study on whether rubber trees have (review by Parrotta, 2000). This is due to their a negative impact on plant community structure influence on understorey microclimate, develop- and the underlying mechanisms of such impact is ment of litter, humus accumulation and structural needed. At present, rubber trees are well distributed complexity of the vegetation. Apart from litter in the study area (70% of plots), and they con- quantity, soil surface microclimate and shading in tributed 30-40% of density and basal area of trees plantations is also responsible for biomass of the with a diameter larger than 10 cm. Furthermore, soil fauna which plays a vital role in tropical forest rubber saplings are among those which have the as soil modifiers and nutrient cyclers. Thus, further highest density, although they accounted for only investigation on how much litter fall and how fast 5.6 percent of total saplings. Alternatively, the the decomposition rate there is in this 26-year-old positive correlation between the basal area of abandoned plantation is recommended. rubber trees and the species diversity of native Richards (1996) recognized four stages of tree was significant. It is possible that in sites post-cultivation succession; invasion, early seral, where the basal area of rubber trees is larger, the late seral, and mature. From his description, the environmental conditions (e.g. microclimate, litter present community could be assigned to the late quantity, soil fertility) are also more suitable for seral stage. In this stage, which is comparable with the establishment of a number of primary forest the building phase of a primary forest gap, the species as well. forest becomes mixed with late seral species (long- lived and slow growing pioneers) and primary Further studies and management recommend- forest species. Cryptononia paniculata (Blume), ation Vitex pinnata L., Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Considering the proximity of the area to a Miq., Artocarpus elasticus Rienw. Ex Blume are university, this forest provides excellent opport- examples of late seral species in this area, whereas unities for ecological, educational and recreational species in the genera Memecylon, Diospyros, activities. A GIS map of its boundary and the Syzygium, Garcinia, and Hopea are often found different habitats on Kho Hong Hill based on in primary forest. updated aerial photographs, together with environmental factors such as soil type and rock parent Correlation of rubber tree density and commu- material should be made. For botanical studies, nity characters of native plants. the flora of Kho Hong Hill should be updated, The negative correlation between rubber since Maxwell (1986) carried out his intensive Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 490 Bumrungsri, S., et al. survey of the flora twenty years ago. For further activities could possibly upset the area and could ecological studies, a database and a field guide disturb ecological studies. Zoning of this protected based on morphological characters of each species area to 1.) strict nature reserve (for research only) are strongly recommended. This is an essential and 2.) conservation area (education and recreat- first step and further studies on plant phenology, ion uses) is recommended. The particularly rich plant ecology, forest succession, and plant-animal flora along the main stream (Maxwell, 1986) is interaction could be undertaken. Permanent plots particularly in need of protection. should be established in representative areas of this forest and intensive studies on forest success- Acknowledgements ion should be carried out. These plots could be specifically research areas for undergraduate and The authors thank N. Noon-anan, S. In- postgraduate studies under the supervision of tamusik, S. La-ma, P. Chaochiangtung and several academic committees. students of Department of Biology for their help It is suggested that secondary forest can during field work as part of the Tropical Forest provide vital resources for nesting, foraging and Ecology course. Kho Hong Meteorical Station protection for a number of animal taxa. DeWalt kindly provided climate information. Thanks are et al. (2003) indicated that understory fleshy fruit also due to the Landscape and Building section of availability was highest in young secondary forest Prince of Songkla University for providing maps (20 years old) compared to older secondary and and information about site history, and to Assistant old growth forest. Thus, secondary forest at this Professor Dr. Kittichate Sridith, Professor Paul age may provide good food resources for wild Racey and Dr. Prakart Sawangchote for their animals especially generalist frugivore/insectivore discussion. Three anonymous reviewers improved birds and mammals. Several species of fruigovorus the original manuscript. birds e.g. bulbul (Pycnonotus spp.) are common in forest habitats (Charoensap, 1996; S. Bumrungsri, References pers. obs.). Several studies have indicated that Bryant D., Nielsen, D. and Tampley, L. 1997. The Last avian diversity in secondary forest is as high as it Frontier Forest: Ecosystems and Economics on is in primary forest, although endemic species are the Edge. World Resources Institute, Washington, fewer (Estrada et al., 1997; Waltert et al., 2004). D.C. As fauna is also important for forest recovery, an Charoensap, P. 1997. Species Diversity and Habitat investigation of faunal diversity, population and Distribution of Birds in Prince of Songkla Uni- habitat use is needed, especially for those animals versity, Hat Yai Campus. BSc Thesis. Depart- that are pollinators, seed dispersers, and de- ment of Biology, Prince of Songkla University. composers. This forest patch is actually isolated (in Thai) from nearby patches by current rubber plantations Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant and may suffer from small population effects. Conservation. 2003. Forestry Statistical Data. Conservation biology-based practices such as http://www.dnp.go.th/stat/stat46/stat2546.htm restocking of plants and animals, natural corridor (4/01/05). establishment and monitoring could be imple- DeWalt, S.J., Maliakal, S.K. and Denslow, J.S. 2003. mented. In addition, environmental education and Changes in vegetation structure and composition ecotourism could be potentially applied in this along a tropical forest chronosequence: implic- forest, especially for those school students from ations for wildlife. Forest Ecol. Manag., 182: Hat Yai city. Forest nature trails with information 139-151. provided could be constructed in different micro- Estrada, A., Coates-Estrada, R. and Meritt, D. Jr. 1997. habitats including a temporary waterfall (8 m Anthropogenic landscape changes and avian high). However, without any regulations, these diversity at Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. Biodivers. Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Plant community in abandoned rubber plantation Vol.28 No.3 May - Jun. 2006 491 Bumrungsri, S., et al.

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